Gauteng official to be charged for tender irregularities
The Gauteng Department of Health investigation into alleged wrongful awarding of R32 million security contracts has recommended that criminal charges be instituted against the Chairperson of the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC).
It was also recommended that four officials who were part of the BEC be charged departmentally for their role in the said process.
This was revealed by Gauteng MEC for Health, Ms Qedani Mahlangu in the Legislature written reply last week. The MEC said legal process was underway to terminate the contract of the four companies that were irregularly appointed - Might Women Investments (R6 million); Skets Projects (R 7 million); Mjayeli Security (R9 million) and Bokone Bokone Guarding (R10 million).
Re: Payment of companies within 30 days
Furthermore, the MEC informed the house that regarding 30 days period, the Department has been able to pay about 56% of companies that render services to the Department since the beginning of the year.
The MEC attributed late payment to numerous challenges such as late submission of invoices by companies; delays in submission of invoices to institutions by suppliers; suppliers who deliver over ordered quantities and charging incorrect prices on invoices after receipt of an order with predetermined prices.
She assured, however, that measures were put in place to address these challenges. Amongst these, there is a team going into institutions to assist resolving challenges. There are monthly reconciliations, centralised point for submission of invoices and formulation of finance and supply chain management forum to address challenges and working towards payment of suppliers within 30 days.
She said over 509 companies are still owed money by the Department as of 30 January 2016. The MEC has met suppliers whom have nothing to do with delays and apologised, pleaded for their continued support, acknowledged their cooperation and undertook that they will be paid accordingly.
Re: Digitisation of patient files
The MEC also informed the Legislature that process to create electronic filing system was underway at various health facilities across the province. She said the project is expected to be completed by 2018/19 financial year.
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